Tag Archives: Utah disability attorney
FRIEDREICH’S ATAXIA & SSD BENEFITS
Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and causes progressive problems with balance, muscle weakness, and sensation loss in the legs and arms. If you have Friedreich’s ataxia, then you should apply for SSDI and SSI benefits under SSA listing 11.17. Additionally, Friedreich’s ataxia is a compassionate allowance that provides for an immediate award of benefits if you can prove it prevents you from working.
WORK CREDITS & SSDI BENEFITS
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you need to accumulate work credits through regular contributions to the SSDI program. Your contributions are made through FICA taxes if you are employed. Or, through SECA taxes if you’re self-employed. Typically, you need a minimum of 10 years of work to be insured for benefits. However, the number of work credits can vary based upon your age at the time of disability onset. Generally, you need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last decade preceding your inability to work. You can earn up to 4 work credits per year.
IF CLAIMANT DIES CAN FAMILY RECEIVE SSD BENEFITS?
What happens when a claimant dies and there is an SSD application pending? Can a family member still receive SSD benefits on behalf of the deceased? The answer is yes. Cannon Disability Law can help your family after the death of a loved one who filed an application for SSD benefits. Sadly, this happens… Read More »
CYSTIC FIBROSIS GUIDE TO SSD BENEFITS
APPLY FOR SSD BENEFITS IF YOU HAVE CYSTIC FIBROSIS Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects almost 40,000 adults and children in the United States. It is a defect in a protein that results in the buildup of mucus in organs throughout the body. This can lead to blockages, tissue damage, and infections…. Read More »
POLYCHONDRITIS & WINNING SSD BENEFITS
UNDERSTANDING POLYCHONDRITIS Polychondritis, or Relapsing Polychondritis (RP) is a rare, chronic autoimmune disorder. If you have this disorder, then you experience repeated episodes of inflammation in the cartilage of the body. This disease can affect multiple organ systems and lead to a wide range of symptoms. Because it is a rare condition it affects… Read More »
PICK’S DISEASE QUALIFIES FOR SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA? Pick’s disease or Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is one of the less common forms of dementia. The disease is rare neurodegenerative disorder that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These areas are responsible for managing important functions such as making decisions. It also regulates emotions, speech, and movement…. Read More »
HEART TRANSPLANT WAITLIST BENEFITS
HOW TO WIN SSD BENEFITS ON THE ADULT HEART TRANSPLANT WAITLIST The Social Security Administration (SSA) finally added those on the adult heart transplant waitlist, under Status Levels 1 through 4, to the Compassionate Allowances (CAL) list. This update to the program recognizes the severe medical needs of heart transplant candidates. The aim of… Read More »
APPEALS COUNCIL REVIEW
APPEALS COUNCIL REVIEW – SHOULD YOU APPEAL? Appeals Council review is the next step after losing your case at an ALJ hearing. If the ALJ sent you an Unfavorable Decision, then you might want to seek Appeals Council review. The Appeals Council reviews ALJ decisions from all over the country. You have 60 days… Read More »
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR LEWY BODY DEMENTIA
UNDERSTANDING LEWY BODY DEMENTIA Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a progressive neurological disorder that impacts your cognitive ability, behavior, and movement. It is the second leading cause of dementia in the elderly, following Alzheimer’s disease. This complex medical condition impacts almost 1.4 million individuals in the United States, making it a major cause of… Read More »
MEDICARE BENEFITS INFORMATION
WHAT IS MEDICARE? Medicare is the United States health insurance program for people who are 65 years or older. However, if you receive Social Security Disability benefits, then you also get Medicare benefits after a waiting period. In order to obtain SSD benefits, you must apply. You can apply on the Social Security website…. Read More »
NARCOLEPSY & SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS NARCOLEPSY? Narcolepsy is a neurological condition that impacts the brain’s ability to control your sleep and wake cycles. People with narcolepsy experience extreme daytime sleepiness and may fall asleep suddenly during the day. This can happen at work or even in dangerous situations. For example, you could fall asleep while driving. In a normal… Read More »
ARE YOU WORKING? IF SO, ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS?
WHAT IS THE SSA’S DEFINITION OF “WORK” ? If you are working, according to the SSA’s definition of work, then you cannot be paid SSD benefits. The SSA calls work “substantial gainful activity“(SGA). A person who is earning over a certain monthly amount is working at or above the SGA level. Under SSA’s rules,… Read More »
PART B CRITERIA WINS MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS
HOW TO WIN SSD BENEFITS FOR MENTAL ILLNESS Mental illness that keeps you from working for over 12 months can win SSDI & SSI benefits. However, meeting a diagnosis alone is not enough to qualify for benefits. To win SSD benefits, you must have medical evidence that proves you meet the elements under step… Read More »
UNDERSTANDING SSA’S LISTING OF IMPAIRMENTS
WHAT IS SSA’S LISTING OF IMPAIRMENTS? The Listing of Impairments is a list of medical conditions that the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses to determine whether you have a severe medical condition. If the medical condition is severe and you prevents you from working for 12 months or longer, then you should be paid… Read More »
INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS – LISTING 14.09
SSDI AND SSI BENEFITS FOR INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS Inflammatory Arthritis, under the SSA’s listing, is meant to cover a number of physical conditions. Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Typically, inflammation of your major joints is the main sign of arthritis. Major joints include… Read More »
PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS AND DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS? Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis that occurs in some people who have psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition. The common symptoms of the disease are red, scaly patches on the skin caused by the accelerated growth of skin cells. You can see this type of skin issue in… Read More »
PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP YOU WIN SSD BENEFITS
HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP YOUR SSD CASE If you have a severe physical injury or chronic medical condition, then your doctor may recommend physical therapy (PT). Physical therapy can improve your strength, movement, and balance. It can also help you manage your pain. It can also provide valuable medical evidence when you file… Read More »
TOP 10 SIGNS YOU WILL WIN DISABILITY BENEFITS
Looking for the top 10 signs you will win your SSD benefits? We have the answers. Do you have enough work credits to qualify for benefits? Have you submitted all of your medical records to prove your disability? Are you over 50 years and you can prove you cannot do your past job? Can you prove you can’t do a seated job? Can you prove that you can’t do skilled work? Additionally, can you prove that you cannot sustain a 40 hour work week? Have you hired an experienced attorney to help you win your hearing and prepare your for court? If you can answer yes to these questions, then that is a sign that you are likely to win your SSD benefits.
LIVER TRANSPLANT BENEFITS
CAN YOU GET DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR A LIVER TRANSPLANT? A liver transplant is a life saving procedure that can offer hope to those suffering from liver failure. However, the journey does not end with the surgery. Recovery can be long and complex. Recovering from a liver transplant is one of the most difficult challenges… Read More »
MIGRAINES & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT ARE MIGRAINE HEADACHES? Migraines are not just a headache. Migraines are a severe headache that often comes with nausea, vomiting and light sensitivity. They are known to be vascular headaches that create serious head pain. The head pain is caused by the activation of nerve fibers that are within the three membranes that… Read More »
GETTING MARRIED: WILL I LOSE MY SSI BENEFITS?
MARRIAGE DOESN’T DISQUALIFY YOU FROM SSI BENEFITS – EARNINGS DO! Getting married doesn’t automatically end SSI benefits. What ends SSI benefits is the “INCOME AND ASSETS” of your spouse. If your spouse has a full time job, then some of that income will be counted as yours. That may reduce your SSI benefits. Please… Read More »
WILL SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS INCREASE?
In order to know if your Social Security benefits will increase, you need to first understand the basics of your benefits. There are Social Security Disability benefits. Also, there are Supplemental Security Income benefits. Finally, there are retirement benefits. All three of these programs are run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This article… Read More »
MYASTHENIA GRAVIS & BENEFITS
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune, neuromuscular condition that causes muscle weakness and fatigue. In fact, the name means “serious muscle weakness,” which is the main symptom of the condition. This weakness tends to get worse the longer the muscles are used and gets better after the muscles are rested. It is caused… Read More »
BONE FRACTURES & DISABILITY BENEFITS
CAN YOU GET SSD BENEFITS FOR BONE FRACTURES? Bone fractures and broken bones normally heal in a matter of a couple of months. Therefore, it can be difficult to get SSD benefits for bone fractures. In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits and SSI benefits, you must have a medical condition that… Read More »
CONSULTATIVE EXAM TIPS – Medical Evidence Wins Your Benefits
WHAT IS A CONSULTATIVE EXAM? After you apply for Social Security Disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income benefits, you may receive a notice in the mail. This notice schedules you for a Consultative Exam. The SSA usually schedules an exam with one of their doctors during the first six months of the appeals process…. Read More »
WHAT IS A TRIAL WORK PERIOD?
A trial work period is a nine month period of time during a 5 year rolling timeframe. During these 5 years, you can try to “work” while still receiving SSDI benefits. You have 9 months, in a 5 year period, to earn over $1160 and still receive your SSD payments. For 2025, a trial work period begins when you earn more than $1160 in one month. If you are considering going back to work while on SSDI payments, then it is essential to consult an attorney to know your options before you start working. If you don’t, then you could end up with an overpayment of SSDI benefits and you will have to pay them back.
HOW THE SSA WEIGHS MEDICAL EVIDENCE
HOW THE SSA WEIGHS MEDICAL EVIDENCE IN YOUR DISABILITY CASE If you file an application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), then your medical evidence will determine whether you receive benefits. Many people believe the SSA only looks at your diagnosis. However, that is not how the five step… Read More »
LUPUS DISABILITY BENEFITS
CAN YOU GET LUPUS SSD BENEFITS? Lupus disability benefits are available for people with severe lupus symptoms who cannot work for over one year. Are you a worker who pays your taxes? Did you stop working for over 12 months due to lupus? If so, then you can apply for Social Security Disability benefits… Read More »
SARCOIDOSIS & PROVING DISABILITY
WHAT IS SARCOIDOSIS? Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that causes the immune system to overreact and start attacking the body. The disease does this by forming granulomas. Granulomas are clumps of inflammatory cells. These granulomas, or small clusters of inflamed tissue, start to form throughout the body and imbed themselves in the body’s organs…. Read More »
SSI BENEFITS – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
WHAT ARE SSI BENEFITS? SSI benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a Federal income program funded by general taxes. SSI benefits do not come from Social Security taxes. The goal of the SSI program is to provide a monthly payment that helps disabled people, those who are blind, and who also have little… Read More »
LYMPHEDEMA & SSDI BENEFITS
WHAT IS LYMPHEDEMA? Lymphedema is a medical condition that occurs when lymph fluid does not move through the body the way it should. Your lymphatic system plays a major role in your immune system. It collects extra fluid, removes waste, and helps protect your body from infection. When your lymph fluid cannot drain, it… Read More »
WHAT IS THE AMOUNT OF MY SSDI BENEFIT?
DO YOU KNOW YOUR MONTHLY SSDI BENEFIT AMOUNT? How do you calculate the amount of your monthly SSDI benefit payment? Every day clients ask us how much money they will receive if they win their Social Security case. If you have questions about your SSDI benefits, then you are in the right place. Because… Read More »
DEPRESSION CAN QUALIFY YOUR FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS
DEPRESSION CAN QUALIFY YOU FOR SSD BENEFITS If you have depression and can’t work, then you need to know if you qualify for SSD benefits. If you have been off work for over 12 months or you can’t work due to severe depression, then apply for SSD benefits. Depression is a common mental ailment… Read More »
SHOULDER PAIN & SSDI BENEFITS
CAN SHOULDER PAIN QUALIFY FOR SSD BENEFITS? Shoulders are complex joints and can be a source for pain and disability. The shoulder is made up of the arm bone and the collarbone. The scapula and the clavicle work together to form the glenohumeral joint, which forms a cage around the head of your humerus…. Read More »
DIABETES AND SSD BENEFITS
DIABETES AND WINNING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS Diabetes is a disease with severe symptoms that affects 34.2 million Americans. That is 10.5% of the U.S. population. The CDC reports in the 2020 National Diabetes Statistics Report that over 88 million U.S. citizens, approximately 1 in 3, have prediabetes. Additionally, 1.4 million adults 20 years or… Read More »
PULMONARY EMBOLISM & DISABILITY
WHAT IS A PULMONARY EMBOLISM (PE)? A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot in the lungs. This can occur when the blood vessels that supply blood to the lungs become blocked. Usually, the blood clot begins somewhere else. For example, the blood clot may form in the legs or the pelvic area. Next,… Read More »
DON’T WAIT TO APPLY FOR SSDI BENEFITS
DON’T MAKE THE MISTAKE OF WAITING TOO LONG TO APPLY FOR SSDI BENEFITS Waiting to apply for your SSDI application is almost always a mistake. You need to file an application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits to protect your income when you can no longer work due to a severe medical condition…. Read More »
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR BACK PAIN
YOU CAN WIN SSDI & SSI BENEFITS FOR BACK PAIN If you suffer from back pain and cannot work, then let us help you win SSDI and SSI benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers Social Security Disability Insurance or SSI benefits. If you have worked and paid taxes, then the SSA can pay… Read More »
THE PART C CRITERIA WINS MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS
UNDERSTAND PART C OF THE MENTAL HEALTH LISTING If you are filing an application for SSDI and SSI benefits because a mental disorder keeps you from working, then you should understand SSA’s Part C criteria. The SSA evaluates mental disorders under the Listing of Impairments. Each mental disorder in the listing contains specific symptoms…. Read More »
COLLECT YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS FOR YOUR DISABILITY CASE
CAN YOU COLLECT YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS? Yes, you can collect your own medical records. In fact, the burden to submit your medical records to the SSA is on you. You need to collect your medical records, as they are crucial to winning your SSD benefits. After you apply for SSD benefits, you must collect… Read More »
STEP FIVE: THE BURDEN OF PROOF SHIFTS TO THE SSA
SSA’S SEQUENTIAL EVALUATION IS A FIVE STEP PROCESS The SSA uses a five step review process to see if you qualify for SSDI and SSI benefits. Each step involves a question. The answer to the question helps the SSA know what to do with your claim. Depending on the answer, the SSA can deny… Read More »
DIABETES TYPE 1 & CHILDHOOD DISABILITY
WHAT IS DIABETES TYPE 1? Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Type 1 is a chronic autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. This leads to a lack of insulin in the body, which is necessary to control blood glucose levels. Type 1 Diabetes is… Read More »
LUNG TRANSPLANT WINS SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS A LUNG TRANSPLANT? A lung transplant is a critical procedure for those who have exhausted all other treatment options. They are usually done only after all other treatment options—such as medications, oxygen therapy, or less invasive surgeries—have failed. Candidates for a lung transplant must meet strict medical criteria to ensure success. A… Read More »
DISABLED VETERANS QUALIFY FOR SSA EXPEDITED REVIEW
EXPEDITED REVIEW IS AVAILABLE FOR DISABLED VETERANS Are you a disabled veteran? Did you know that Veterans who are 100% service connected qualify for expedited review with the Social Security Administration? This means that if you file an application for SSD benefits, you may not have to wait so long for a decision. Currently,… Read More »
SSA’S 5 POINT RATING SCALE FOR MENTAL CONDITIONS
UNDERSTANDING SSA’S 5 POINT RATING SCALE FOR MENTAL CONDITIONS When you apply for SSD benefits because of a mental health condition, the SSA uses a 5 point rating scale to determine how severe your condition is. The SSA’s 5 point scale focuses on how your symptoms affect your ability to function on a consistent… Read More »
MALIGNANT MELANOMA & SSD
WHAT IS SKIN CANCER? Malignant melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of your body and threaten your life. Doctors usually find skin cancer by doing a physical exam. The doctor will then do a biopsy or imaging tests. This type of cancer… Read More »
FEDERAL COURT REVIEW FOR YOUR SSD CASE
CAN YOU APPEAL YOUR SSD CASE TO FEDERAL COURT? It is possible to appeal a denial from the Appeals Council to Federal Court. However, in order to have access to judicial review under the Social Security Act, the decision of the SSA must be final. Also, you must file a Complaint in Federal Court… Read More »
CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE & DISABILITY
WHAT IS CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE? Chronic liver disease is a medical condition that affects the structure and function of your liver. Over time, inflammation of your liver cells leads to liver damage. There are a number of causes of chronic liver disease. These include viral infections, such as Hepatitis B and C, drinking too… Read More »
SLEEP APNEA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
Sleep apnea is a disorder that occurs during sleep when you have a pause in breathing or shallow breathing. These pauses can occur multiple times a night and result in fatigue the next day. If so, sleep apnea can interfere with your ability to work. If you have severe sleep apnea and other medical issues, apply for SSD benefits with the help of Cannon Disability Law.
HEART TRANSPLANT & SSD BENEFITS
HEART TRANSPLANT & SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS A heart transplant is an operation where surgeons replace a failing or damaged heart with a healthy heart from a deceased donor. This procedure is usually performed on individuals with end stage heart failure or severe heart conditions. It is an option only after your heart disease… Read More »
